dv6500t - Better Discrete Graphics or Battery?!

Hi all,

I am torn between the Integrated & Discrete graphics card for the dv6500t. I know discrete is the recommended way to go for games etc, but given the fact that I do not game at all so far, I am confused whether to opt for integrated graphics option for better battery life and cooler running instead. Or go for the better display with HDMI output option to boot (not that I would use it much, but good to have nevertheless).

Money is not an issue, just functionality & benefits. I will be getting the 6 cell extended battery - don't wanna go heavy with 12-cell. So, what do you experts recommend?! Will I notice graphics performance difference in anything other than games?! How much difference will it be in running time for the 2 graphics options for the 6 cell extended battery? Anyone has numbers for this comparison by any chance?!

Thanks!

 

If you don't game, then don't get the discrete graphics. It's simple. Plus you've answered your own question there. If you want a gaming rig, buy a desktop. for a grand, you'll get something that will make every Laptop here cry "Uncle". Heck, for 1300, you'll get a monitor with it. Screw the HDMI output.

 

I think discrete graphics is the way to go. Battery life and temps arent that much of a difference. I still enjoy mine with no dissapointments about the battery life or running temps.

You might regret getting integrated gfx later on down the road... theres alot of new gfx software and 3d games to come out

 

Good article here... scroll down to graphics:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3056&guide=Graphics+Card+Guide+2006

I always recommend a dedicated graphics simply because you can't change it out once you purchase the system. Ram, HD, and cpu are things you can change out (on some laptops you can't change out all of these... but the laptops I've had I could).

The graphic card is one of the things you can't change or replace on a laptop.

If you keep your laptop for a while, then this may be important to you. I just purchased a new laptop simply because my graphics card suck (well, that and the HD and cpu... all combined suck). But basically, the laptop is 4 years old... if not for the poor graphics card (I got the min when I ordered years ago), I could simply put more ram and a faster cpu in this thing... as it stands, it is going to a college kid I know, and I get a new one....

Guess my point is, in 4 years no telling what you will want to do with your laptop. If you know for sure you won't be doing anything that needs a dedicated card, then don't get one... most people don't need a dedicated card anyway.

If you want to increase performance, and don't play games, just make sure you get the fastest cpu you can afford and 2 gb of memory... and a 7200 hd, if an option.

 

Thanks all. Good info and the link! I am still curious to know if anyone has the numbers for difference in times provided by the two options. Whats a typical battery run-time for the nVidia with extended 6-cell battery?! Or the integrated one?! Say while watching a movie or normal processing (surfing / office stuff)....

 

It's not significant. I'm guessing you'll be getting only half an hour more for the integrated graphics. I tested my laptop with a nVidia and I can go 2-2.5 hours on a battery with a standard 6 cell battery. I also have a 12 cell battery and it's lasting a little over 5 hours on a single charge.